How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One,

Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman?

Wondering from Kansas

Dear Wondering from Kansas,

Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown.

However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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